Morgan Freeman at 85: His career in 15 roles

Morgan Freeman (far right) launched his career in acting with the 1970s educational series "The Electric Company." The humorous show also featured Bill Cosby (second from left) and was directed at an audience of school children learning key language skills. It is said, however, that Freeman does not look back kindly on those early years of light entertainment and sketch comedy.

Morgan Freeman had his silver screen debut playing opposite Robert Redford in "Brubaker." The movie was loosely based on a prison scandal from 1967, detailing forced labor, corruption, rape and extrajudicial killings at Arkansas penitentiaries at the time. Freeman's performance as a deranged inmate showcased his refined acting skills at this early point in his career.

One of the roles that Freeman is best remembered for is "Driving Miss Daisy," which went on to score numerous awards. Freeman himself was nominated for an Oscar for best actor and won a Golden Globe award in the same category. The film explores shades of racism in the Deep South, spanning from the years immediately after World War II to the height of the civil rights movement.

Freeman considers his role in "Street Smart" the pivotal moment of his career. He was nominated for an Academy Award as well as a Golden Globe for playing a pimp trying to strike a deal with a reporter, portrayed by the late Christopher Reeve. Critics lauded the movie as one of the most immersive film experiences of the 1980s — thanks in no small part to Freeman's performance.

Freeman could not escape typecasting when it came to his supporting role in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." He plays Azeem, sidekick to the famed altruist of Sherwood Forest, portrayed by Kevin Costner. Despite receiving praise for Freeman's performance, the film got mixed reviews at the time of its release. In the end, however, the film became a vehicle to propel both actors' careers.

Considered one of the best movies of the 1990s, "The Shawshank Redemption" brought together two of the tallest actors in Hollywood: Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. The film is as much of a feel-good movie as a prison story can be, with an elaborate plot that takes the audience on a 142-minute journey through the realities of incarceration in the United States in the mid-20th century.

Starring opposite Brad Pitt in "Seven," Morgan Freeman played the role of a near-retirement-age cop investigating a series of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins from the Old Testament. Part psycho-thriller and part neo-noir, the genre-bending film was a big success at the box office and with critics alike. Freeman proved how he had matured as an actor over the previous 15 years.

Having paid his dues in supporting roles, Morgan Freeman displayed the full scope of authority and poise only he can demand with his stunning performance as US President Tom Beck in "Deep Impact." The movie chronicles the approach of a comet threatening to extinguish all life on Earth. Freeman's performance makes for gripping storytelling, complementing the movie's outstanding special effects.

Freeman played God in "Bruce Almighty" in a role that brilliantly combined his famous gravitas with his more light-hearted nature. The film tells the story of Bruce Nolan (played by Jim Carrey) trying to gain back control of his life using God's powers — awarded to him by the Almighty himself. Freeman reprised the same role four years later in "Evan Almighty," which follows a similar pattern.

Older and wiser, Freeman started embracing the kinds of roles that would have him playing mentor figures. In "Million Dollar Baby" he coaches a female boxer (played by Hillary Swank), who eventually reaches the top of her game — only to come to a tragic end. The movie performed remarkably well and reaped numerous accolades, with Freeman winning an Oscar as best supporting actor.

Getting Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman to star alongside each other is a real treat for any bonafide movie enthusiast. But to see them take on such difficult subjects as terminal illness and unfulfilled desires with humor and spirit makes "The Bucket List" one of the best movies of its time.

Another career highlight for Morgan Freeman: In 2010, he got to play South African President Nelson Mandela in "Invictus," earning another Oscar nomination. The movie is set right after the end of apartheid, as Mandela tries to get the nation to back the traditionally white-dominated sport of rugby for the World Cup.

Freeman's supporting role as Sheik Ilderim in the epic international remake of "Ben Hur" shows his versatility and experience. He exudes a distinct notion of power as the mentor of Judah Ben-Hur (played by Jack Huston). The movie unfortunately bombed at the box office, in part due to it being Hollywood's fifth attempt at adapting Lew Wallace's 1880 novel.

Morgan Freeman seems to get even better with age. In the heist comedy "Going in Style," Freeman robs a bank after his pension is canceled. Hilarious and gripping at the same time, Freeman demonstrates his prowess as a multifaceted performer once more.

As he turns 85, Freeman's distinctive deep voice remains a highlight in various productions. He's shown here in a still from the 2021 Amazon sci-fi TV series "Solos," where he plays the role of a patient in an Alzheimer's facility, who turns out to be a memory thief.